Samsung’s new NX series interchangeable lens cameras could be interesting

While I normally don’t associate Samsung with anything but repackaged Pentax SLRs and a few uninspiring point and shoot cameras, this is interesting. Samsung has cooked up a micro-4/3 like compact system with a short back focal distance allowing a compact body. The kicker is that instead of a smaller sensor like the 4/3 and micro 4/3 systems it uses as larger “APS C” size. At the moment it looks like Samsung is doing this on their own instead of setting up a standard accepted by several manufacturers like the 4/3 systems but if it gains traction does this mean other manufacturers might follow suit or try something similar’ Will 3rd party manufacturers provide lenses?

There is no mirror or traditional viewfinder either. Like the Panasonic G1 this also relies on an EVF. Hopefully Samsung will figure out how to make an EVF that doesn’t suck, which would distinguish it from the G1. Design wise this takes no risks, again like the Panasonic, as it still retains an SLR like appearance including the prism bulge in front of the viewfinder. Come on guys, lets see some rethinking of what a camera needs to or can look like. The SLR design is necessitated by the internal components but this can be more flexible. Click through for the full press release.

SEOUL, KOREA ‘ March 2, 2009 ‘ Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. used PMA 2009 as the global launching pad for the NX Series, the company’s revolutionary new family of hybrid digital cameras. A new concept digital camera, the NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. With the NX Series, Samsung will become a global leader in the new hybrid market.

Samsung’s new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs, the NX Series utilizes an APS’C sized image sensor providing a much larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. In addition to utilizing the EVF, consumers can also take advantage of the camera’s Live View functionality to frame their shots on the NX Series’ high’resolution screen.

Samsung has recently intensified its focus on the digital imaging market and established a separate company dedicated exclusively to digital imaging in Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The new company was formed to focus on the development of its digital still cameras around world’s first and best in class features, design, and easy-to-use interfaces, and will work towards achieving the company’s stated goal of becoming the world’s leading digital imaging company.

“We estimate that the hybrid digital camera market will be over 20% of the global digital still camera market by 2012,” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.”

Samsung Digital Imaging Company also creates a much more efficient vertical alignment between related Samsung affiliate business units including semiconductor, LCD panel and consumer electronics. This new vertical alignment will create competitive advantages for Samsung by fostering greater collaboration between Samsung affiliate business units and allowing the company to develop and deliver highly-innovative digital imaging products that set the standard for the industry, including the newly unveiled NX Series.

The first model of NX Series will be available in the second-half of 2009.